Cable head assembly

ABSTRACT

A cable assembly is provided. The cable assembly includes an interface plate having a raised outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is adapted to engage with a housing. The interface plate includes a recess having a channel that is adapted to receive a cable and an opening through the interface plate at one end of the channel to allow the cable to pass through the interface plate. The recess is adapted to receive a sealant that covers the cable once the cable is placed in the channel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to the following co-pendingapplications:

[0002] U.S. application Ser. No. ______, entitled MECHANICAL HOUSING,and filed on even date herewith (Attorney Docket No. 100.147US01); and

[0003] U.S. application Ser. No. ______, entitled RADIATING REPEATERCASE, and filed on even date herewith (Attorney Docket No. 100.158US01).

[0004] Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention relates generally to the field oftelecommunications and, in particular, to a cable assembly for repeatercases.

BACKGROUND

[0006] With the growth of T1 lines, expanded DSL applications and theintroduction of HDSL2 repeaters to the industry a significant quantityof housings are required to accommodate the equipment to support theseapplications. Due to the stringent requirements for both above and belowground housing applications there are a quantity of shortcomingsassociated with the current repeater housings and cable assemblies. Therepeater housing assemblies are both costly and time consuming tomanufacture. Currently cables that connect to the repeaters are pottedinto repeater housings. The potting is not only costly but can requireup to 24 hours to cure. In some applications the curing is required inspecified environmental conditions, e.g., temperature control, humiditycontrol and the like. Once the cables are potted into the housings theybecome integral to the housings. Any problems encountered in couplingthe potted cables with the telecommunications lines, e.g., cutting thecable too short, results in having to dispose of the integratedhousing/cable assembly.

[0007] In order to produce the housing assemblies in quantity, asignificant amount of environmentally controlled space is required aswell as storage space for complete housing assemblies. Due to thestorage requirements assemblies are often performed on demand andcustomers are required to wait while orders before theirs are filled.

[0008] The cable assembly has minimum flexibility once the cable ispotted in the housing. In addition, since the cable is integral to thehousing assembly the cable experiences a significant amount of strain atthe connection point during installation and after installation. Becausethe housing and cables are pre-assembled for the application thehousings are only capable of receiving the cables in one orientation. Asa result, the location and orientation of housings is limited. In manyof the repeater housings the cable is attached using a twist lockconnector. In some applications, the twist lock connectors become looseand leak due to strain on the cable during assembly and over time afterassembly. Because of the limited orientation of the housings, strain onthe cables can cause the twist lock to become loose and historically hasallowed ingress of moisture.

[0009] For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated belowwhich will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the present specification, there is a need in the art forimprovements in repeater housings.

SUMMARY

[0010] The above mentioned problems with cable assemblies for repeaterhousings and other problems are addressed by embodiments of the presentinvention and will be understood by reading and studying the followingspecification.

[0011] In one embodiment, a cable assembly is provided. The cableassembly includes an interface plate having a raised outer surface andan inner surface. The inner surface is adapted to engage with a housing.The interface plate includes a recess having a channel that is adaptedto receive a cable and an opening through the interface plate at one endof the channel to allow the cable to pass through the interface plate.The recess is adapted to receive a sealant that covers the cable oncethe cable is placed in the channel.

[0012] In another embodiment, a repeater housing is provided. Therepeater housing includes an outer shell, a card cage adapted tothermally couple to the outer shell and an interface plate adapted tocouple with the card cage. The interface plate having a raised outersurface and an inner surface. The interface plate includes a recesshaving a channel that is adapted to receive a cable and an openingthrough the interface plate at one end of the channel to allow the cableto pass through the interface plate. The recess is adapted to receive asealant that covers the cable once the cable is placed in the channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of a cable assemblyaccording to the teachings of this invention.

[0014]FIG. 2 is an illustration of another embodiment of a cableassembly according to the teachings of this invention.

[0015]FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of a repeater housingwith a cable head assembly according to the teachings of this invention.

[0016]FIG. 4 is an illustration of another embodiment of a repeaterhousing with a cable head assembly according to the teachings of thisinvention.

[0017]FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of a cable assemblyaccording to the teachings of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific illustrative embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice theinvention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and that logical, mechanical and electrical changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense.

[0019]FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of a cable assembly,shown generally at 100, and constructed according to the teachings ofthis invention. In one embodiment, cable assembly 100 interfaces with ahousing such as a repeater housing and enables one or more cables tointerconnect with electronics within the housing. Cable assembly 100includes an interface plate 101 that has a raised outer surface 111having an edge 103 around the perimeter of the outer surface 111. Edge103 creates a cavity or recess capable of receiving a sealant, agasketing material or the like. Interface plate 101 includes a recess105 having a channel 107 capable of holding one or more cables.Interface plate 101 includes an opening 109 that allows one or morecables to pass through the interface plate 101. In one embodiment,interface plate 101 is adapted to couple with one or more clamps such asclamp 112 to hold a cable firmly in channel 107. Clamp 112 may comprisea retaining clip, tie or any suitable restraining method. In oneembodiment, both the cavity created by edge 103 and recess 105 areadapted to receive a sealant, gasketing material or the like that coversthe cable once the cable is placed in the channel 107. The sealantprotects the cable from the environment and aids in prohibiting moisturefrom passing from the outer to the inner surface of interface plate 101.In one embodiment, the inner surface of interface plate 101 includes agasket. In one embodiment, the gasket is embedded in the surface of theinterface plate 101. In one embodiment, the gasket is of the typeemployed by the automotive industry for valve cover gaskets. The gasketmay be silicone or a suitable equivalent.

[0020] In operation a cable is placed in channel 107 of interface plate101. The cable passes through opening 109 and is secured in channel 107using one or more clamps such as clamp 112. A sealant is placed in thecavity created 103 and recess 105. Once the sealant has cured the cableis secured in place and sealed from the environment. A complete cableassembly such as cable assembly 100 with a sealant is capable ofinterfacing with a number of different housings such astelecommunication repeater housings. The complete cable assemblyprovides protection from environmental elements such as moisture, saltfog, salt water, chemicals, solar loading to include ultravioletdegradation, temperature extremes and the like. In addition the sealantsecures the cable in place so as to reduce strain on the cable duringand after assembly. In addition, a cable assembly such as 100 includinga sealant provides a barrier to air leakage when a housing it is coupledto is pressurized. Since the cable assembly is not integrated with thehousing it allows flexibility in locating the housing and then attachingthe cable assembly to include horizontal and vertical mounting of thehousings. In addition, the cable may be repaired in the field withoutrequiring replacement or removal of the repeater housing. Simplyswapping out the cable assembly. A cable assembly such as 100 allowsupgrading or changing of cables without replacing the repeater housing.The cable assembly 100 can be mounted so that the cable enters a housingfrom the top, bottom or either side, based on the application.

[0021]FIG. 2 is an illustration of another embodiment of a cableassembly, shown generally at 200, and constructed according to theteachings of this invention. Cable assembly 200 includes an interfaceplate 201. Interface plate 201 includes a recess 205 having a channel207 that is capable of receiving one or more cables. Interface plate 201includes an opening 209 that allows one or more cables to pass throughinterface plate 201. Recess 205 is adapted to receive a sealant thatcovers the cable once the cable is placed in channel 207. In oneembodiment, interface plate 201 is adapted to receive one or more clampsto hold a cable firmly in channel 207.

[0022]FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of a repeater housingwith a cable head assembly, shown generally at 300, and constructedaccording to the teachings of this invention. In one embodiment,repeater housing 300 is as described in related case Attorney DocketNumber 100.147US01, entitled “Mechanical Housing” (U.S. serial No.______) filed Nov. 6, 2000. In one embodiment, repeater housing 300includes an interface plate 301 having a recess 305 with a channel 307for receiving a cable. The interface plate 301 includes an opening 309at one end of channel 307 that allows one or more cables to pass throughinterface plate 301. In one embodiment, interface plate 301 includes oneor more clamps 312 that hold a cable securely in channel 307. Recess 305is adapted to receive a sealant that covers and secures the cable oncethe cable is placed in channel 307. Repeater housing 300 includes anouter shell 320. In one embodiment, shell 320 is adapted to couple toone or more mounting brackets such as bracket 316. Bracket 316 is usedto mount repeater housing 300 to a support structure such as a wall, apost, a housing, a pole or the like.

[0023]FIG. 4 is an illustration of another embodiment of a repeaterhousing with a cable head assembly, shown generally at 400, andconstructed according to the teachings of this invention. Repeaterhousing 400 includes an interface plate 401 having a recess 405 with achannel 407 for receiving one or more cables. The interface plate 401includes an opening 409 at one end of channel 407 that allows the one ormore cables to pass through interface plate 401. Interface plate 401includes one or more clamps 412 that hold the cable(s) securely inchannel 407. Recess 405 is adapted to receive a sealant that covers andsecures the cable(s) once the cable(s) is/are placed in channel 407.Repeater housing 400 includes an outer shell 420. In one embodiment,shell 420 is adapted to couple to one or more mounting brackets such asmounting bracket 416. Mounting bracket 416 is used to mount repeaterhousing 400 to a support structure such as a wall, a post, a housing, apole or the like. Interface plate 401 interfaces with a frame 432 thatholds a card cage 430. In one embodiment, interface plate 401 includes agasket on the face that is in contact with frame 432. In one embodiment,interface plate 401 includes an embedded gasket in the face that is incontact with frame 432. The gasket or embedded gasket aids in protectingthe contents of the repeater housing from the environment as well as toaid in maintaining pressure within repeater housing 400. Card cage 430houses a plurality of repeaters 422 that connect to wires within thecable passed through interface plate 401. In one embodiment, the cardcage 430 is thermally coupled to the outer housing 420 to aid indispersing heat such as described in related application, AttorneyDocket Number 100.147US01, entitled “Mechanical Housing” (U.S. serialNo. ______) filed Nov. 6, 2000. Once the components of repeater housing400 are assembled interface plate 401 with the sealant aids inprohibiting moisture from passing into the repeater housing 400.

[0024] In one embodiment, interface plate 401 aids in sealing theassembly and prohibiting air leakage when the housing 400 ispressurized.

[0025]FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of a cable assembly,shown generally at 500, and constructed according to the teachings ofthis invention. Cable assembly 500 includes an interface plate 501having a recess 505 that is filled with a sealant 565. In oneembodiment, cable assembly 500 includes a cable 525 that has beensecured in channel 507 with sealant 565. In one embodiment, sealant 565is an epoxy, a resin, a composite, a polymer or the like. In oneembodiment, sealant 565 is an elastomer. The sealant 565 is capable ofproviding the cable 525 and a housing that the cable assembly 500couples to protection from environmental elements such as salt,moisture, heat, cold and the like. Interface plate 501 is coupled toframe 532 that holds a card cage 530 such as card cage 430 as describedwith respect to FIG. 4.

[0026] In operation cable 525 is placed in channel 507 and passedthrough an opening (not visible) in interface plate 501 in order toconnect to electronics within card cage 530. In one embodiment, thecable 525 is secured in place in channel 507 using one or more clamps,retaining clips, ties or the like. Sealant 565 is placed within recess505 so as to cover cable 525 and seal cable 525 securely in place and toprotect the cable from the elements.

[0027] A cable assembly such as cable assembly 100 or 200 described withrespect to FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively can be modified to interface withany number of housings. For example the cable assembly may be adapted tointerface with the current 819 telecommunication repeater housings,current canister style repeater housings and the like. The cableassembly modularizes the repeater housings by making it possible tointerchange one cable assembly with a number of different types ofhousings as well as modifying the cable assembly to fit with a number ofdifferent types of housings. The size and shape of the interface platecan be modified to adapt to a variety of sized and shaped repeaterhousings. The type of sealant used to protect the components of ahousing may also be changed based on the application. For example,applications may require the cable assembly to be exposed to hot andcold temperature extremes, moisture, salt fog, salt water, chemicals,solar loading to include ultraviolet degradation and the like.

CONCLUSION

[0028] In one embodiment, a cable assembly has been described. The cableassembly includes an interface plate having a raised outer surface andan inner surface. The inner surface is adapted to engage with a housing.The interface plate includes a recess having a channel that is adaptedto receive a cable and an opening through the interface plate at one endof the channel to allow the cable to pass through the interface plate.The recess is adapted to receive a sealant that covers the cable oncethe cable is placed in the channel.

[0029] In another embodiment, a repeater housing has been described. Therepeater housing includes an outer shell, a card cage adapted tothermally couple to the outer shell and an interface plate adapted tocouple with the card cage. The interface plate having a raised outersurface and an inner surface. The interface plate includes a recesshaving a channel that is adapted to receive a cable and an openingthrough the interface plate at one end of the channel to allow the cableto pass through the interface plate. The recess is adapted to receive asealant that covers the cable once the cable is placed in the channel.

[0030] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose,may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. For example, thehousing and cable assembly described in the detailed description aretelecommunication repeater housings and assemblies but the cableassembly described may be used for any number of applications requiringinterface with a cable. This application is intended to cover anyadaptations or variations of the present invention. Therefore, it isintended that this invention be limited only by the claims and theequivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable assembly, comprising: an interface platehaving a raised outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the innersurface is adapted to engage with a housing; the interface plateincluding: a recess having a channel that is adapted to receive a cable;and an opening through the interface plate at one end of the channel toallow the cable to pass through the interface plate; and wherein therecess is adapted to receive a sealant that covers the cable once thecable is placed in the channel.
 2. The cable assembly of claim 1,further comprising at least one clamp coupled to the interface plate,wherein the at least one clamp holds the cable securely in the channel.3. The cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the interface plate is adaptedto engage with a repeater housing.
 4. The cable assembly of claim 1,wherein the sealant is an epoxy.
 5. The cable assembly of claim 1,wherein the interface plate is further adapted to couple with a mountingplate.
 6. The cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the recess comprises aportion of the outer surface of the interface plate.
 7. The cableassembly of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the interface plateincludes an embedded gasket.
 8. A repeater housing, comprising: an outershell; a card cage adapted to thermally couple to the outer shell; andan interface plate adapted to couple with the card cage, the interfaceplate having a raised outer surface and an inner surface; the interfaceplate including: a recess having a channel that is adapted to receive acable; an opening through the interface plate at one end of the channelto allow the cable to pass through the interface plate; wherein therecess is adapted to receive a sealant that covers the cable once thecable is placed in the channel.
 9. The repeater housing of claim 8,wherein the interface plate further includes at least one clamp coupledto the interface plate, wherein the at least one clamp holds the cablesecurely in the channel.
 10. The repeater housing of claim 8, whereinthe sealant provides environmental protection for the cable.
 11. Therepeater housing of claim 9, wherein the sealant further providesenvironmental protection for the contents of the outer shell.
 12. Therepeater housing of claim 8, wherein the sealant is an epoxy.
 13. Therepeater housing of claim 8, wherein the interface plate is adapted tocouple with a mounting plate.
 14. The repeater housing of claim 8,wherein the recess comprises a portion of the outer surface of theinterface plate.
 15. The repeater housing of claim 8, wherein the innersurface of the interface plate includes an embedded gasket.
 16. Arepeater housing, comprising: an outer shell; a card cage adapted to fitwithin the outer shell; and an interface plate adapted to couple withthe card cage, the interface plate having a raised outer surface and aninner surface; the interface plate including: a recess having a channelthat is adapted to receive a cable; an opening through the interfaceplate at one end of the channel to allow the cable to pass through theinterface plate; and wherein the recess is adapted to receive a sealantthat covers the cable once the cable is placed in the channel.
 17. Therepeater housing of claim 16, wherein the interface plate furtherincludes at least one clamp coupled to the interface plate, wherein theat least one clamp holds the cable securely in the channel.
 18. Therepeater housing of claim 16, wherein the sealant provides environmentalprotection for the cable.
 19. The repeater housing of claim 18, whereinthe sealant further provides environmental protection for the contentsof the outer shell.
 20. The repeater housing of claim 16, wherein thesealant is an epoxy.
 21. The repeater housing of claim 16, wherein theinterface plate is further adapted to couple with a mounting plate. 22.The repeater housing of claim 16, wherein the recess comprises a portionof the outer surface of the interface plate.
 23. The repeater housing ofclaim 16, wherein the inner surface of the interface plate includes anembedded gasket.
 24. A cable assembly, comprising: an interface platehaving a raised outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the innersurface is adapted to engage with a housing; the interface plateincluding: a recess having a channel that is adapted to receive a cable;and an opening through the interface plate at one end of the channel toallow the cable to pass through the interface plate; and wherein therecess is filled with a sealant that covers the cable once the cable isplaced in the channel.
 25. The cable assembly of claim 24, furthercomprising at least one clamp coupled to the interface plate, whereinthe at least one clamp holds the cable securely in the channel.
 26. Thecable assembly of claim 24, wherein the interface plate is adapted toengage with a repeater housing.
 27. The cable assembly of claim 24,wherein the sealant is an epoxy.
 28. The cable assembly of claim 24,wherein the interface plate is further adapted to couple with a mountingplate.
 29. The cable assembly of claim 24, wherein the recess comprisesa portion of the outer surface of the interface plate.
 30. The cableassembly of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the interface plateincludes an embedded gasket.
 31. A method of manufacturing a cableassembly, comprising: lying a cable in a channel, wherein the channel iswithin a recess on the outer surface of an interface plate; directing aportion of the cable through an opening in the interface plate;restraining the cable in the channel; and sealing the cable fromenvironmental elements.
 32. The method of claim 31, further comprisingengaging the interface plate with a card cage of a repeater housing. 33.The method of claim 32, further comprising coupling the interface plateto an outer shell of the repeater housing.
 34. The method of claim 33,further comprising coupling the interface plate to a mounting bracket.